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On March 26, 2025, at 9:00 Pm, National Geographic will air an exciting episode of “To Catch a Smuggler” titled “Cocaine Jackpot.” This episode promises to take viewers deep into the world of drug smuggling and the efforts to combat it. The story unfolds in Puerto Rico, where the Amo, or Air and Marine Operations, makes a significant recovery of cocaine from a boat. The street value of this haul is a staggering .5 million, highlighting the scale of the drug trade in the region.

The episode will showcase the intense operations and investigations that law enforcement officials undertake to stop drug smuggling. It will provide a glimpse into the challenges they face on the water and the strategies they use to track down illegal activities. Viewers can expect thrilling footage and insights into the teamwork required to tackle such a massive operation.

“Cocaine Jackpot” promises to be both informative and gripping, revealing...

On Wednesday March 19 2025, National Geographic broadcasts To Catch a Smuggler!

Dirty Money Laundromat Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “To Catch a Smuggler,” titled “Dirty Money Laundromat,” promises to be an exciting hour of television. This episode will air on National Geographic and focuses on a significant operation by the New York Homeland Security Investigations (Hsi). The team is set to tackle a multimillion-dollar transnational smuggling ring that has been operating under the radar.

Viewers can expect to see the detailed process of how Hsi agents gather intelligence and work to dismantle this complex network. The episode will highlight the challenges that law enforcement faces when dealing with smuggling operations that cross international borders. The stakes are high, and the agents must navigate a web of deceit and criminal activity to bring the culprits to justice.

“Dirty Money Laundromat” will also shed light on the methods used by smugglers to...

Get ready for an intense and eye-opening episode of “To Catch a Smuggler” with Season 7 Episode 8, titled “Flesh, Bones, Ketamine and Drones.” Tune in at 9:00 Pm on Wednesday, June 12th, 2024, on National Geographic for an inside look at the relentless efforts of law enforcement to combat smuggling operations.

In this gripping installment, viewers are taken on a journey into the dark world of smuggling, where Cbp (Customs and Border Protection) agents uncover a shocking discovery: smuggled human remains. As the investigation unfolds, viewers are confronted with the harsh realities of illegal trafficking and the lengths to which smugglers will go to evade detection.

Meanwhile, Border Patrol agents are on high alert as they intercept migrant smugglers attempting to transport individuals across the border. With drones and advanced surveillance technology at their disposal, agents work tirelessly to apprehend smugglers and prevent further illegal activity.

Join the brave men and women...

In the upcoming episode of “To Catch a Smuggler” Season 6, titled “Spot Check: Guac and Coke,” viewers are in for a gripping ride as Customs and Border Protection (Cbp) makes a startling discovery. The Cbp stumbles upon a shipment of avocados concealing a staggering 142 kilos of cocaine, with an estimated street value exceeding $7 million.

The episode promises a high-stakes game of cat and mouse as law enforcement works tirelessly to intercept and thwart the illegal drug trade. With the traffickers employing increasingly creative methods to conceal their contraband, Cbp’s relentless efforts to stay one step ahead provide an inside look into the challenges of securing borders against smuggling operations.

Don’t miss the intense action and strategic maneuvers in “Spot Check: Guac and Coke,” airing at 9:00 Pm this Saturday on National Geographic, as law enforcement battles against cunning smugglers in the ongoing war against drug trafficking.

Release Date...

In the upcoming episode of “To Catch a Smuggler” Season 6, titled “Spot Check: Coke on the Water,” viewers are in for a thrilling ride as Customs and Border Protection (Cbp) takes on the challenging task of intercepting cocaine shipments on cargo ships in Miami. The episode delves into the intricacies of maritime smuggling, highlighting the relentless efforts of Cbp agents to detect and prevent the illegal transport of narcotics.

As the authorities face the evolving tactics of drug traffickers, the stakes are raised in this high-stakes game of cat and mouse on the water. The episode promises an inside look into the complexities of securing ports and waterways against smuggling operations, showcasing the dedication and strategic acumen required to stay ahead in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.

Don’t miss the suspenseful action in “Spot Check: Coke on the Water,” airing at 10:30 Pm this Saturday on National Geographic,...

Get ready for a thrilling ride this Saturday with the latest episode of “To Catch a Smuggler: Spot Check – Blow Overboard.” Set to air at 10:00 Pm on National Geographic, this installment promises a riveting glimpse into the high-stakes world of drug interdiction.

In this Spot Check episode, the Air and Marine Operations (Amo) team takes center stage as they unearth a shocking discovery of cocaine in Puerto Rico. The episode unfolds as a tense and dramatic operation, showcasing the challenges and dangers faced by law enforcement in their relentless pursuit to halt drug smuggling.

Viewers can expect a rollercoaster of emotions as they witness the dedication and strategic prowess of the Amo team. For an adrenaline-pumping and eye-opening experience, be sure to tune in to “To Catch a Smuggler: Spot Check – Blow Overboard” this Saturday at 10:00 Pm on National Geographic.

Release Date & Time: 10:00 Pm Saturday 2 December 2023 on...

Get ready for an intense episode of “To Catch a Smuggler” with the upcoming installment titled “Spot Check: It’s Raining Meth,” airing at 9:30 Pm on Saturday, December 2, 2023, on National Geographic. This season has already brought viewers into the high-stakes world of border enforcement, and this episode promises to escalate the drama.

In this particular Spot Check, the dedicated officers of Customs and Border Protection (Cbp) at Lax make a jaw-dropping discovery—a mega shipment of methamphetamine. The episode delves into the meticulous process of inspecting cargo and the challenges faced by law enforcement in intercepting illegal substances.

With its gritty portrayal of the frontline battle against smuggling, “To Catch a Smuggler” continues to offer a gripping look into the tireless efforts to secure borders and keep dangerous substances off the streets. Don’t miss the suspense and high-stakes action as officers work to thwart the flow of illicit...

This Saturday on National Geographic, “To Catch a Smuggler” continues its gripping Season 6 with a special Spot Check episode titled “Meth in the City,” airing at 9:30 Pm on November 25, 2023. In this intense installment, Homeland Security Investigations (Hsi) takes center stage as they embark on a controlled delivery operation to intercept methamphetamine.

The episode promises a firsthand look into the high-stakes world of drug enforcement, as Hsi navigates the complexities of tracking and intercepting illegal substances. As the team faces the challenges of this Spot Check mission, viewers can expect a riveting exploration of the methods and tactics employed in the fight against drug smuggling.

Tune in at 9:30 Pm for a real and raw glimpse into the relentless efforts of law enforcement to catch smugglers in the act. “To Catch a Smuggler: Spot Check – Meth in the City” is a must-watch for those intrigued by the behind-the-scenes operations of...

In the upcoming episode of “To Catch a Smuggler” titled “Spot Check: Mdma on the Move,” viewers are in for an intense ride as customs officers and Homeland Security Investigations (Hsi) work tirelessly to combat drug trafficking. Airing at 9:00 Pm on Saturday, November 25, 2023, on National Geographic, this installment promises gripping scenes of law enforcement efforts against illegal activities.

The episode features Cbp (Customs and Border Protection) making a significant discovery of cocaine concealed in a car, showcasing the challenges officers face in intercepting narcotics at various points of entry. Simultaneously, Hsi engages in a high-stakes operation to track an ecstasy package in the bustling city of Chicago, amplifying the suspense and highlighting the persistent efforts to curb drug smuggling.

“Spot Check: Mdma on the Move” provides viewers with a front-row seat to the relentless pursuit of justice against those involved in illicit drug trade. With its real-life scenarios and action-packed sequences,...

On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 9:00 Pm, National Geographic will air an episode of “To Catch a Smuggler” titled “Chasing Shadows.” This documentary series provides viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at the dedicated officers of Homeland Security stationed at JFK International Airport.

In this episode, viewers will witness the daily challenges faced by Homeland Security officers as they tackle a wide range of issues, from detecting fraudulent visas to combatting human trafficking. The airport, as a major international gateway, becomes a focal point for various forms of illicit activities, and the officers are on the front lines, working tirelessly to maintain security.

“Chasing Shadows” promises to provide an unfiltered perspective on the critical work undertaken by these dedicated professionals as they navigate the complexities of border security. It’s a must-watch for those interested in understanding the intricate world of customs and border protection, as well as the ongoing efforts to...

On Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 9:30 Pm, National Geographic will air the sixth season of “To Catch a Smuggler.” In this episode, viewers will witness a spot check conducted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Cbp) officers.

During the spot check, Cbp officers make a discovery – they find a hidden stash of methamphetamine concealed inside a vehicle’s gas tank. This illicit substance was being smuggled across the border, but Cbp officers are trained to detect and prevent such illegal activities.

This episode provides a glimpse into the real-world efforts to combat drug smuggling and illegal border crossings. Viewers will witness the thorough inspection process that helps Cbp officers identify and seize contraband.

Tune in at 9:30 Pm on National Geographic to get a firsthand look at the challenges and successes of Cbp officers as they work to keep our borders safe and secure. It’s an opportunity to learn...

This Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 9:00 Pm on National Geographic, “To Catch a Smuggler” returns with an intense episode titled “Spot Check: Million Dollar Ride.” In this episode, the dedicated officers of Cbp (Customs and Border Protection) are at it again, conducting a routine spot check on vehicles entering the country. What they uncover is nothing short of astonishing – a staggering 205 kilos of methamphetamine concealed in just one car.

The episode showcases the hard work and vigilance of Cbp officers as they strive to keep illegal substances from entering the country. “Spot Check: Million Dollar Ride” serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by these dedicated professionals and the importance of their role in maintaining border security.

The simple language and factual storytelling in this episode make it an accessible and educational watch for all ages. Tune in on Saturday night to witness the incredible work of Cbp officers in “To Catch a Smuggler.

On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 9:00 Pm, National Geographic is set to air a thrilling episode of “To Catch a Smuggler” titled “Have Your Cake and Sniff It Too.” This captivating show offers a look into the world of smuggling and the relentless efforts of Hsi (Homeland Security Investigations) to thwart illegal activities.

In this particular episode, Hsi takes on the challenging task of investigating shipments involving cocaine concealed within unexpected items: cakes and fish. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they watch the agents work tirelessly to uncover the hidden drugs and bring those responsible to justice.

The episode promises a suspenseful and educational experience suitable for all ages. It sheds light on the important work of Hsi and the ongoing battle against drug smuggling. Don’t miss “To Catch a Smuggler” on National Geographic at 9:00 Pm as it provides a unique glimpse into the...

On Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 9:30 Pm, National Geographic will broadcast Season 6, Episode titled “Spot Check: Smorgasbord of Smack” of the series “To Catch a Smuggler.”

In this particular episode, the Customs and Border Protection (Cbp) officers face a challenging task as they work to seize looted ancient artifacts. The show provides viewers with an inside look at the efforts made by Cbp to intercept and prevent the illegal trafficking of precious cultural treasures.

“To Catch a Smuggler” is a documentary series that focuses on the work of Cbp officers and their relentless pursuit of those involved in smuggling activities. This episode, part of the Spot Check series, highlights the dedication of Cbp in protecting valuable artifacts and preserving our shared cultural heritage.

If you have an interest in law enforcement and the preservation of cultural treasures, this episode offers an informative and engaging look at the efforts to combat illegal smuggling.

On Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 9:00 Pm, National Geographic will broadcast Season 6 of “To Catch a Smuggler” with an episode titled “Spot Check: Bunked in a Trunk.”

In this episode, Cbp (Customs and Border Protection) officers face a challenging situation involving human smuggling at the border. The episode focuses on this specific case without using additional descriptions or opinions.

“To Catch a Smuggler” is a factual show that showcases the work of Cbp officers and their efforts to prevent illegal activities at the border.

If you’re curious about the efforts to catch smugglers and maintain border security, don’t forget to tune in to National Geographic at 9:00 Pm on Saturday, October 7, for “Spot Check: Bunked in a Trunk” on “To Catch a Smuggler.”

Release Date & Time: 9:00 Pm Saturday 7 October 2023 on National Geographic

To Catch a Smuggler Spot Check: Bunked in a Trunk Cast – Season 6 Main Cast Denise Toto...

On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 9:00 Pm, National Geographic will air Season 6, Episode 10 of “To Catch a Smuggler” titled “Hidden Treasures.”

This episode delves into the daily operations of Homeland Security at JFK International Airport. Viewers will get an inside look at the challenges and issues faced by the dedicated agents working tirelessly to secure the airport and protect the nation.

The range of issues tackled by these agents is vast, from uncovering fraudulent visas to combating human trafficking. It’s a glimpse into the critical work done behind the scenes to maintain the safety and integrity of one of the busiest airports in the world.

“To Catch a Smuggler” has earned a reputation for its no-nonsense approach to exposing criminal activities at international airports. “Hidden Treasures” promises to provide an informative and eye-opening experience for viewers as they witness the efforts to safeguard national security. Tune in to National Geographic...

On Saturday, September 30th, 2023, at 9:00 Pm on National Geographic, viewers can catch the Season 6 episode of “To Catch a Smuggler” titled “Spot Check: Smuggled and Muzzled.”

In this episode, viewers will witness a “spot check” operation conducted by Cbp (U.S. Customs and Border Protection). The Cbp agents make a crucial interception, stopping a vehicle and discovering a significant amount of cocaine concealed within it, weighing a total of 36 kilograms.

This gripping episode showcases the real-life efforts of law enforcement to combat drug smuggling and illegal activities at the border. It provides an inside look at the challenges faced by Cbp officers as they work tirelessly to detect and prevent the illegal transport of drugs into the country.

Join National Geographic on September 30th, 2023, at 9:00 Pm for an intense and eye-opening episode of “To Catch a Smuggler” as Cbp agents carry out a critical operation to keep our borders safe.

On Saturday, September 30th, 2023, at 9:30 Pm on National Geographic, viewers are in for an adrenaline-packed episode of “To Catch a Smuggler” titled “Spot Check: Jungle Stash.”

In this captivating episode, Cbp (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) takes center stage as they conduct a “spot check” operation. The episode focuses on a high-stakes discovery made by Cbp agents. During their inspection, they uncover a hidden stash of methamphetamine concealed inside a car’s bumper.

This real-life portrayal sheds light on the challenges faced by law enforcement as they combat drug smuggling and illegal activities at the border. It showcases the dedication and determination of Cbp officers to protect the country from the influx of illegal drugs.

Tune in on September 30th, 2023, at 9:30 Pm, and witness the intense efforts of Cbp agents as they expose a cunning attempt to smuggle drugs in a car bumper in “To Catch a Smuggler: Spot Check: Jungle Stash.

In the upcoming episode of “To Catch a Smuggler” from Season 6, viewers will get an inside look at the daily operations of Homeland Security at JFK International Airport. Set to air on National Geographic at 10:00 Pm on Saturday, September 30th, 2023, this episode is titled “Secret Stash: Cocaine Rides in the Crew Cab.”

The show provides a window into the challenges faced by Homeland Security officials as they grapple with a wide range of issues, from fraudulent visas to human trafficking. While there are no specific details provided, viewers can expect to see the dedicated agents and officers working tirelessly to uphold the nation’s security and enforce immigration laws.

With a focus on real-life scenarios and the complexities of border control, this episode offers an informative and unfiltered look at the crucial work carried out at one of the busiest airports in the United States. Tune in to National...

The 27th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival Awards were presented Nov. 11 and We Are Movie Geeks was there!

Sliff presented seven major filmmaking awards during the course of the 2018 festival:

Charles Guggenheim Cinema St. Louis Awards to Jim Finn, Jane Gilooly, and Karyn Kusama; Women in Film Award to Melanie Mayron; Lifetime Achievement Award to Joe Edwards and John Goodman; and the Contemporary Cinema Award to Jason Reitman.

Shorts Awards

Juries choose the winners of seven awards from among the shorts in competition. The Sliff shorts competition is officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, making the winners in the Best of Fest, Best Animated, Best Live Action, and Best Documentary categories eligible to submit for Oscar® consideration. The 2018 winners:

Best Documentary Short: “Koka, The Butcher” directed by Bence Máté

Best Local Short: “The Buck: Midwest Gully” directed by Jun Bae

Best Short Short:...

The New STYLEThis is the second year that the New York Film Festival has presented Projections, its extensive showcase of experimental film and video that for years had been called Views From the Avant-Garde. The name change (or "rebranding," in the parlance of our ugly times) corresponded, of course, to the departure of longtime programmer Mark McElhatten. Under his stewardship, Views became one of the premiere experimental film festivals in the world, a long weekend of high caliber dispatches from established masters, alongside bracing discoveries by up-and-coming makers whose work somehow caught Mark's eye. His programming partner, Film Comment's Gavin Smith, often brought along selections that complemented Mark's, even as they were out of his usual bailiwick.The Views era was not without its dissenters. Some complained that McElhatten rounded up the usual suspects year after year, sometimes without regard to the relative quality of their latest offerings. Others, most prominently Su Friedrich,...

Soon-Mi Yoo’s Songs From the North joins a small group of recent films that attempt to understand North Korea despite a lack of readily available resources. (The Interview will not be mentioned except just this once, because c’mon.) Jim Finn’s The Juche Idea combines real North Korean footage with CCTV-level, rigorously stilted fake propaganda and musical numbers of the director’s own puckish division, attempting to define something about the nation by producing materials ostensibly following the titular gibberish ideology; Mads Brügger’s annoying and unlightening The Red Chapel sends the Danish provocateur to the Dprk along with comedians to find out What’s Really Happening, mostly by […]...

Soon-Mi Yoo’s Songs From the North joins a small group of recent films that attempt to understand North Korea despite a lack of readily available resources. (The Interview will not be mentioned except just this once, because c’mon.) Jim Finn’s The Juche Idea combines real North Korean footage with CCTV-level, rigorously stilted fake propaganda and musical numbers of the director’s own puckish division, attempting to define something about the nation by producing materials ostensibly following the titular gibberish ideology; Mads Brügger’s annoying and unlightening The Red Chapel sends the Danish provocateur to the Dprk along with comedians to find out What’s Really Happening, mostly by […]...

In place of the formerly titled "Views from the Avant-Garde", The Film Society of Lincoln Center has announced the lineup for Nyff's new "Projections" section. Dennis Lim and Aily Nash join Gavin Smith in curating an international selection of experimental short, medium and feature length films:

Old Growth (Ryan Marino, USA)

Babash (Lisa Truttmann & Behrouz Rae, USA/Austria/Iran)

Wayward Fronds (Fern Silva, USA)

Theoretical Architectures (Josh Gibson, USA)

Canopy (Ken Jacobs, USA)

Under the Heat Lamp an Opening (Zachary Epcar, USA)

Against Landscape (Joshua Gen Solondz, USA)

Night Noon (Shambhavi Kaul, Mexico/USA)

Ming of Harlem: Twenty One Storeys in the Air (Phillip Warnell, UK/Belgium/USA)

Berlin or a Dream with Cream (Marcel Broodthaers, Germany)

Mr. Teste et la Lune (Marcles Broodthaers, Belgium)

Things (Ben Rivers, UK)

Depositions (Luke Fowler, UK)

a certain worry (Jonathan Schwartz, USA)

The Dragon is the Frame (Mary Helena Clark, USA)

Fe26 (Kevin Jerome Everson,...

The 21st annual Chicago Underground Film Festival, which will run April 2-6 at the Logan Theater, will be extra special this year. Why? Because Mike Everleth, the Executive Editor of the Underground Film Journal, is sitting on this year’s festival jury! And looking over the fest lineup below, he is incredibly excited to witness this visual extravaganza of revolutionary cinematic madness. (Other jurors are Brian Chankin, Therese Grisham and Alison Cuddy.)

Opening Night Film: What I Love About Concrete is the debut feature by the directing team of Katherine Dohan and Alanna Stewart and is a surreal suburban tale about a teenage girl who believes she is transforming into a swan.

Closing Night Film: Usama Alshaibi will be making his triumphant return to Chicago with his latest documentary, American Arab, a personal and sociological examination of what it means to be an Arab in a post-9/11 United States. This...

Migrating Forms has just revealed the full program for its third edition, running May 20 through 29 at Anthology Film Archives in New York. And it's pretty impressive, so we're going to go the quickest route here and reproduce the release below the jump.

Special Events

Georges Perec Double Bill

Serie Noire Dir Alain Corneau (1979)

Georges Perec wrote dialogue made up almost entirely of cliches and aphorisms for this adaptation of Jim Thompson's A Hell of a Woman. "The only Thompson adaptation to truly express the author's deeply personal darkness." - Moving Image Source

Un homme qui dort (The Man Who Slept) Dir. Georges Perec and Bernard Queysanne (1974)

Adapted from Georges Perec's novel of the same name. Structured as a filmic sestina, Perec and Queysanne reimagine the framework of the novel while maintaining much of the original narration (read by Shelly Duvall in the English version!).

The Art of the...

Update: Check out the full 2011 Migrating Forms lineup here!

The 3rd annual Migrating Forms media festival in NYC, which will run on May 20-29, has announced that its opening night film will be Melanie Gilligan’s experimental sci-fi thriller Popular Unrest. Plus, the fest will feature retrospectives of the late Brazilian filmmaker Glauber Rocha and Los Angeles-based Cynthia Maughan; a special North Korean musical program by Jim Finn; videos charting the career of legendary rock band Destroy All Monsters and more.

Inspired by the early films of David Cronenberg and the “forensic porn” found in the CSI TV show franchise, Gilligan has crafted a five-part drama in Popular Unrest that is set in an alternative future where all human social interaction is overseen by a mysterious system known only as “the Spirit.”

In this world, first, a series of bizarre murders take place where the victims are killed in public,...

Utopian Comedies: The Films of Jim Finn, the filmmaker's first retrospective in the Us, opens this evening at New York's Anthology Film Archives and runs through Wednesday. "Finn is a major talent," declares Vadim Rizov in the L Magazine, "a vaguely avant-garde video specialist whose work is far too accessible to be ghettoized and left to the tender mercies of museums and academia. Finn's three features (barely so: at 71 minutes, Interkosmos is the longest) all set about recreating the mental landscape and cultural textures of different Communist cultures. His tools: scenes of the indoctrinated reciting party dogma with diligent blankness, fervently patriotic musical numbers, overblown archival footage celebrating fake achievements.... Politically, Finn's three features would be palatable to both liberals and conservatives: they have sympathy for the textural feel of each regime/movement while unambiguously condemning them."...

What happens when you take an independent American filmmaker, a fetish for Communist memorabilia, and subtract all irony? Pretty much the films of Jim Finn. From May 27-June 2, the Anthology Film Archives will be playing the shorts and features of Jim Finn. Disclaimer: I have shown his films at film festivals I work for and commissioned Finn to make a Lunchfilm. The Busby Berkeley of propaganda, Finn has made three features with a lo-fi indie style that mixes larger Hollywood genre trappings in a big bowl. The results are funny, but also packed with socio-political commentary. Seems hard to pull off but Finn does it without pandering to being hip. Interkosmos follows two Eastern German cosmonauts into space, where love gets in the way...